Sous Chef

Caritas of Austin • Austin, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The primary role of this position is to assist the Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations, preparing nutritious meals, and ensure a safe, clean, welcoming environment for volunteers, clients, and diners. This role requires passion for community service, culinary skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced setting. The Community Kitchen serves lunch to 200-300 people a day (Monday through Friday) and is open to anyone in the community in need of a meal.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in food handling and preparation.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills & ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to effectively use email, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to accurately maintain records and create spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respond to emails in a timely manner.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Food Manager’s certificate within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary degree or certification.
• Three or more years of experience in food handling and preparation.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Ability to multi-task and work in a high-stress environment.
• Strong customer service and experience working with diverse populations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chef in planning and preparing daily meals for the community kitchen and production of designated items.
• Ensure all food handling and safety procedures are followed.
• Develop and train in assisting new volunteers and staff on kitchen procedures and safety protocol.
• Assist in preparing meals/dining room daily for approximately 200-300 diners and must be present during the entire service to provide ongoing support and guidance.
• In collaboration with the Chef, ensures that the Community Kitchen consistently opens on time.
• Responsible for inspecting all food donations prior to acceptance, to ensure compliance with Caritas of Austin and health department policies. Quality control and food inspection are crucial.
• Assists Chef in establishing consistent procedures and menus for special dietary requests from diners.
• Responsible for collaborating with the Chef in establishing menus that meet quality standards and can be supported by donations.
• Responsible for overseeing and performing routine meal service tasks, including but not limited to, preparing fruit, salads, main entrée, desserts, setting up the line, etc.
• Responsible for overseeing and delegating responsibilities to “Culinary Volunteers” and daily “Volunteer Groups” to ensure a positive and safe experience.
• Contributes to promoting a positive, respectful, organized, and safe Community Kitchen environment for all volunteers and diners.
• Maintains a professional demeanor and appropriate attire must always be worn.
• Take lead in the Kitchen in the absence of the Chef.
• Responsible for receiving, storing, and organizing food and supplies daily.
• Adheres to County Health Department standards in maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe environment.
• Responsible for ensuring volunteers and other food service staff members also comply with department guidelines/regulations.
• Ensure that all kitchen equipment is in working order and used appropriately by staff and volunteers.
• Notifies Food Services Manager of needed equipment and/or repairs to existing equipment.
• Participates in Caritas food drives and coordinating in-kind donations as needed, collaborating with Development Department.
• Drive company van to pick up and drop off inventory as needed.
• Attends all Caritas quarterly staff meetings and departmental meetings.
• Assist in other areas of the Food Services program, as needed.
• Complies with administrative procedures, reporting, and record keeping functions (e.g., temperature logs, donation forms, etc.).
• Treats diners, staff, volunteers and the public with courtesy and respect.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Develop an approved plan for professional development with Community Access and Food Services Manager.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure)
• 14 paid holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Mileage reimbursement
• Monthly phone stipend
• Discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield)
• Parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
• Qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED